NLC Service Line Warranty Program:Benefits to Cities & Residents
LMC WebinarMarch 14, 2018
WHY CHOOSE UTILITY SERVICE PARTNERS?
EXPERIENCE REPUTATION PARTNERSHIP
This award underscores one of the primary reasons the National League of Cities selected USP as a partner and extended our agreement for another five years. The organization's exemplary record of customer service and transparency is what has driven the success of this partnership over the years.
— Clarence Anthony, Executive Director National League of Cities
AGING INFRASTRUCTURE IS PROBLEMATIC FOR CITIES & HOMEOWNERS
• In Minnesota, infrastructure upgrades over the next 20 years are estimated at $7.4 billion for drinking water, and $2.3 billion for wastewater
• Lateral lines are subjected to the same elements as public lines -ground shifting, fluctuating temperatures, tree root penetration, corrosion and more
• Failed lines waste thousands of gallons of water and present an environmental hazard
• Common homeowner misconceptions the City is responsible for maintenance of the water and sewer lines on their property or repairs are covered by their homeowner’s policy
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NLC SERVICE LINE WARRANTY PROGRAM BENEFITS
• Only Service Line Program Endorsed by the National League of Cities and members of the League of Minnesota Cities Business Leadership Council
• No cost for the City to participate
• Ongoing Revenue Stream for the City
• Educates homeowners about their lateral line responsibilities
• Free Public Awareness Campaign
• Peace of Mind - with one toll-free call a reputable plumber is dispatched
• All repairs performed to code by local licensed contractors
• Contractors undergo rigorous vetting process to ensure quality service
NLC SERVICE LINE WARRANTY PROGRAM AND WHAT IT COVERS
WATER/WELL LINE COVERAGE
SEWER/SEPTIC LATERAL COVERAGE
• Educating homeowners about their service line responsibilities• Up to $8,500 coverage per repair incident• Includes coverage for thawing of frozen external water lines• No annual or lifetime limits, deductibles, service fees, forms, or paperwork• 24/7/365 availability• Repairs made only by licensed, local contractors• Affordable rates and multiple payment methods
Homeowner repair protection for leaking, clogged or broken water and sewer lines from the point of utility connection to the home exterior
Coverage includes:
NLC SERVICE LINE WARRANTY PROGRAM AND WHAT IT COVERS
Homeowner repair protection for in-home water supply lines and in-home sewer lines and all drain lines connected to the main sewer stack that are broken or leaking inside the home after the point of entry
Coverage includes:
• Up to $3,000 coverage per repair incident. • Repair of clogged toilets • Includes coverage for broken or leaking water, sewer, or drain lines under the slab or
basement floor• No annual or lifetime limits, deductibles, service fees, forms, or paperwork• 24/7/365 availability• Repairs made only by licensed, local contractors• Affordable rates and multiple payment methods
MARKETING APPROACH
• No Public Funds are used in marketing, distribution, or administration of the program.
• Only market by direct mail, no telemarketing
• Would never mail without your review and approval of marketing material before each and every campaign
• Limited mailing campaigns per year
• Consumer friendly marketing
• Always voluntary for the homeowner
• Consumers can enroll one of three ways:
• Calling into our toll free number that is provided on the mailing;
• Returning the bottom of the letter to us in the self addressed stamped envelope provided
• Visiting our consumer website www.slwofa.com at any time
SOLUTIONS FOR MUNICIPALITIES AND THEIR HOMEOWNERS
• More than 500 municipal partners
• Over 500,000 homeowners currently participating
• Saved homeowners more than $90 million in service line repair costs
• Consistent customer satisfaction rating of 98%
• 9 of every 10 customers surveyed have recommended the program to friends, family and neighbors
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CURRENT MINNESOTA PARTNERS
City of Rochester
City of Edina
City of St Louis Park
City of Richfield
City of Columbia Heights
City of St Michael
City of Mounds View
City of Grand Rapids
City of Watertown
City of Cannon Falls• Over 12,000 Minnesota residents currently
enrolled in the program• Over 1,000 service line repair jobs in the last
three years, which saved Minnesota homeowners over $900,000
City of Falcon Heights
City of Mora
City of Perham
City of Hawley
City of Pelican Rapids
City of Brownsdale
City of Vergas
City of Vesta
City of New Brighton
City of Lake Crystal
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Questions?
For a recording of this webinar, go to:
www.lmc.org/servicelinewebinar2018
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